Differential G protein subunit expression by prostate cancer cells and their interaction with CXCR5.

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines and tissues differentially express CXCR5, which positively correlate with PCa progression, and mediate PCa cell migration and invasion following interaction with CXCL13. However, the differential expression of G protein α, β, and γ subunits by PCa cell lines and the precise combination of these proteins with CXCR5 has not been elucidated.

Methods: We examined differences in G protein expression of normal prostate (RWPE-1) and PCa cell lines (LNCaP, C4-2B, and PC3) by western blot analysis.

Critical role for lysyl oxidase in mesenchymal stem cell-driven breast cancer malignancy.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells with the ability to differentiate into multiple mesoderm lineages in the course of normal tissue homeostasis or during injury. We have previously shown that MSCs migrate to sites of tumorigenesis, where they become activated by cancer cells to promote metastasis. However, the molecular and phenotypic attributes of the MSC-induced metastatic state of the cancer cells remained undetermined.

Antibody Microarray Analysis of Signaling Networks Regulated by Cxcl13 and Cxcr5 in Prostate Cancer.

Advanced prostate cancer (PCa) often spreads to distant organs, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. It is now well established that chemokines and their cognate receptors play a crucial role in the multi-step process of metastasis. We have previously identified CXCR5 to be highly expressed by PCa tissues and cell lines and its specific ligand, CXCL13, is significantly elevated in the serum of patients with PCa and differentiated PCa cases with other benign prostatic diseases.

Mesenchymal stem cells in the pathogenesis and therapy of breast cancer.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous mix of stromal stem cells that can give rise to cells of mesodermal lineages, namely adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes. They can home to sites of injury where they promote the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. MSCs also home to sites of tumorigenesis, and as such, are utilized as efficient cellular vehicles for the delivery of anti-neoplastic therapeutics.

PI3Kp110-, Src-, FAK-dependent and DOCK2-independent migration and invasion of CXCL13-stimulated prostate cancer cells.

Background: Most prostate cancer (PCa)-related deaths are due to metastasis, which is mediated in part by chemokine receptor and corresponding ligand interaction. We have previously shown that PCa tissue and cell lines express high levels of the chemokine receptor CXCR5, than compared to their normal counterparts, and interaction of CXCR5 with its specific ligand (CXCL13) promoted PCa cell invasion, migration, and differential matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. This study dissects some of the molecular mechanisms following CXCL13-CXCR5 interaction that mediate PCa cell migration and invasion.

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide: Pattern of secondary intraocular pressure rise and possible risk factors.

Purpose: To determine the pattern of increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) and identify possible risk factors associated with this rise in IOP.

Methods: We carried out a retrospective review of records for 185 patients (226 eyes) who received 4 mg of IVTA at the American University of Beirut Medical Center and Hotel Dieu de France eye clinics between 2003 and 2005

Results: Mean follow-up was 8.17 months (range 6 to 24 months).

Intravitreal bevacizumab vs verteporfin photodynamic therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Objective: To compare verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) with intravitreal bevacizumab for management of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Methods: Patients with predominantly classic CNV were prospectively randomized to receive standard PDT or intravitreal bevacizumab injections (2.5 mg).

Corneal light shield as a delivery system for standardized application of mitomycin C in excimer surface ablation.

Purpose: To develop a simple, reproducible method of applying intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) in excimer surface ablation surgery.

Methods: A two-part protocol was developed to study several properties of corneal light shields. Part A tested the amount of MMC (0.

Intravitreal bevacizumab for the management of choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab for managing choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Design: Prospective interventional case series.

Methods: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with subfoveal CNV due to AMD participated in this study at the American University of Beirut Ophthalmology Clinics.